KSU Pre- Health Professions Program
Pre-Health Advisors
Health Professions Advising Office
Kansas State University
113 Eisenhower Hall
Manhattan, KS 66506-1011
- Gayla Adams-Wright
gayla@ksu.edu
Nursing
Physician Assistant
Optometry
- Colina Stanton
cstanton@ksu.edu
Chiropractic Medicine
Clinical Laboratory Sciences (Med Tech)
Dental Hygiene
Occupational Therapy
Physical Therapy
- Susan Watt
swatt@ksu.edu
Medicine
Health Information Management
Respiratory Care
- James Chalman
jchal@ksu.edu
Dentistry
Pharmacy
Veterinary Medicine
Helpful Links
Pre-Health Home Page
Pre-Health Advising
Pre-Health Programs
Health Careers Pathways Program
ACIC - Academic and Career Information Center (Explore Health Fields)
Susan Watt
I spent my youth in Rapid City, SD, in the heart of the beautiful Black Hills, and in the Mile High City, Denver, CO. I live in Wamego where my husband has a law practice. I spent many years working as a clinical dietitian in a variety of settings, including a teaching hospital in Denver, a rural Kansas hospital, a private practice and consulting.
Education
BS - Kansas State University - Dietetics and Institutional Management
MS - Kansas State Univeristy - Foods and Nutrition
First Impressions of Manhattan
When I came back to Manhattan after living in the Black Hills and Rocky Mountains, the first thing that struck me was the oppressive heat and humidity, and the flat landscpe. I have come to love the Flint Hills and the subtle beauty of the prairie.
Favorite Pastime
I enjoy reading and knitting. My husband and I collect hand made pottery, antique dishes and art, including prints from the 1920's-1940's and some watercolor and oil paintings. I enjoy music, including rock and roll, blue grass, Celtic, jazz, big band, etc.
On Academic Advising
Advisors are here to help students clarify and reach their goals by providing accurate information. I strive to create an atmosphere in which students feel welcome and safe in confiding their fears and dreams, their challenges and defeats, their joys and accomplishments. I am here to support and guide my students, celebrate with them, and lend a sense of perspective. I try to help students understand the value of education and define for themselves what it means to be successful. When advising, I keep in mind this quote from Thomas Merton's book, On Love and Living, "The purpose of education is to show a person how to define himself authentically and spontaneously in relation to his world - not to impose a prefabricated definition of the world, still less an arbitrary definition of the individual himself."
Interesting Fact
I was born in Manhattan in what is now the Delta Sigma Phi fraternity house, which used to be the old St. Mary's Hospital. My father was born in the house at 701 Bluemont, which his father built.
Last Word
"Perhaps the most valuable result of all education is the ability to make yourself do the thing you have to do, when it ought to be done, whether you like it or not; it is the first lesson that ought to be learned; and however early a man's training begins, it is probably the last lesson that he learns thoroughly."
Thomas H. Huxley (1825-1895)
Colina Stanton
Background
I am truely an "Idahonian". I was born in Idaho and have lived in many locations within the State. I met my husband at the University of Idaho and have also had the fun of living throughout the USA as he pursued his career in Electrical Engineering. He is currently a professor at KSU. We have two sons, one an English teacher and big wall climber, the other an Industrial Psychology major and computer game reviewer.
Education
I am a registered and licensed dietitian
BS - University of Idaho - nutrition emphasis
Dietetic Internship - Highland General Hospital - Oakland, Ca
Master of Education - University of North Carolina - nutrition emphasis
PhD - Iowa State University - course work in adult eduaction
Work Experience
Hospital dietetics
Consulting dietitian
Public health nutritionist
Parent educator for Parents as Teachers
Academic Advisor KSU
First Impression of Manhatan
Purple Power. The purple emphasis was a touch overwhelming at first. Now we happily don our purple shirts and enjoy the fun of being part of an enthusiastic community of KSU supporters.
Favorite Pastimes
Involvement in campus, church, and community activities, weekends exploring Kansas, coffee at a local coffee shop, & cozy evenings at home.
On Academic Advising
I see myself as a facilitator helping students decide what career they want to pursue then providing them with the information needed to get there. To be an effective facilitator, I try to stay abreast of the professional schools' requirements and KSU resources.
Interesting fact
I love to dance.
Gayla Adams-Wright
I was born in northern California, but grew up in the Midwest. Nursing was my first major; then education, but I finally ended up in social services. After I finished my master's degree in Rehabilitation I moved back to California and worked as a counselor for three years. The West coast was a wonderful place to live, but I wanted to be closer to my family so relocated back to Kansas. My first job after leaving California was in Great Bend, but after meeting my husband, Aaron, through a mutual friend, I moved to Manhattan. He was active duty military and came to Manhattan via Fort Riley. As a military brat, he lived all over the United States and in Alaska.
Education
BS - Emporia State University - Rehabilitation Services
MS - Emporia State University - Rehabilitation Counseling
Favorite Pastime
I have a son, Garon, born in June of 2005. He has kept me busy - laughing, being silly and enjoying the simple things in life. We spend a lot of time outdoors. Other things I enjoy include reading, cooking, and catching up on sleep when given the slightest opportunity.
On Academic Advising
I have tremendously enjoyed working with students, helping them to achieve their goals and helping them resolve the challenges they face. Advisors are here to help students – seek out our services.
Interesting Fact
I have three sisters; I am the second oldest.
Last Word
It is easier to say what we believe, than to be what we believe. ~unknown
Dr. James A. Chalman
Background
Born in Seattle, Washington, I am the son of a decorated United States Naval Officer and his multi-talented wife. As was custom of the time, we were required to move every three years when my father received new orders. From such I attended several schools prior to completing high school in Southern California.
Following graduation from the University of California – Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, I completed formal Internship and Residency programs in surgery. The majority of my career has been in university academics. Private practice experiences provided additional practical insight which I shared with nearly 4000 former students and now with advisees. To keep my clinical skills honed, I retain a position as Professor of Surgery on the adjunct faculty of the Atlantic Veterinary College, University of Prince Edward Island, Canada, and consult locally.
Education
B.S. -- University of California – Davis
D.V.M. -- University of California – Davis
Residency in Surgery -- The Ohio State University
First Impressions of Manhattan
“Hmmm….no mountains; no clear, fast-running streams; few evergreens.” Most definitely different from anything I had ever experienced yet, we are now entering our third decade in residence!
Favorite Pastimes
For many years, I have enjoyed researching and photo-documenting Western American mining districts and ghost towns; restoring classic cars, listening to ‘60’s Rock-n-Roll, and competing at local SASS meets. Then again, spending quality time with my grandchildren trumps all of the above!
On Academic Advising
My approach is really quite simplistic. I present the most current information available and allow students to chart their course. I prefer to be in the role of “coach” thereby affording the student opportunities for independent exploration. I emphasize and believe strongly that the university experience is to be savored and relished. A singular approach to meaningful life-goals does not fit everyone in like manner. From such, my mission is to help tailor, augment, and fine-tune a plan best suited for each individual.
Interesting Fact
My official-registered alias is: “Single-Jac Miner”
Last Words
From Anthony Robbins:
“The past does not equal the future.
and
“Adopt the philosophy of CAN-I….defined as
Constant And Never-ending Improvement.”
From Dr. D. Barclay Slocum, Jr.
“To decide to get by is…pre-planned poor judgment”
From John Wayne:
“Tomorrow comes to us at midnight – fresh, radiant and pure.
It makes no demands upon us and asks only that we have learned something from yesterday.”